How to spell popular
A Year 3 and 4 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
popular
P-O-P-U-L-A-R
The part to watch: pop + u + lar, ending -ar. The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
Popular ends -lar, not -ler. It has only one p in the middle.
Popular is one of the words on the Year 3 and 4 list with an -ar ending. These words end in a sound like "er", but it is spelt -ar. Saying the ending as "ar" while you write it helps.
Common mistakes with popular
- Wrong: populerRight: popular
A way to remember it
Pop stars are popular: pop + u + lar.
Popular in syllables
pop · u · lar
Popular has 3 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
Football is a popular sport.
Popular on the statutory list
Popular is on the Year 3 and 4 statutory word list in the national curriculum for England. Children are taught these words in Years 3 and 4, when they are 7 to 9.
Test yourself
A short spelling test that starts with popular, then nine more words from the Year 3 and 4 list, read aloud. It works in your browser.
More words with an -ar ending
These words from the Year 3 and 4 list share the same pattern as popular.
More words
Questions parents ask
How do you spell popularity?
Popularity is popular + ity. It keeps the -ar, which is easier to hear in this longer word.
Spelling is one part of the picture
The free diagnostic checks maths, English and both kinds of reasoning, and shows what to practise next. No card is required.